[ ˌbjʊ(ə)'rɒkrəsi ]
■ noun ( plural bureaucracies )
1》 a system of government in which most decisions are taken by state officials rather than by elected representatives.
2》 excessively complicated administrative procedure.
Derivatives
bureaucratization or bureaucratisation noun
bureaucratize or bureaucratise verb
Origin
C19: from Fr. bureaucratie , from bureau (see bureau ).